It’s no secret that the air we breathe affects our bodies and health, so it should be no great leap that the air we breathe indoors plays the largest role in our health. With people spending 87% of their time indoors, the air pollution outside isn’t nearly as obstructive to healthy living as the air on the inside of your house.
Everyone’s first thought, when talking about indoor air quality, is carbon monoxide; which is a result from natural gas escaping into your home without being burned off. But air pollutants can range from contaminants and/or pollen brought in from the outdoors by your pets to dangerous gas leaks or other more serious contaminants. For example, older homes may contain asbestos and lead particles, which can be damaging to the lungs when released into the air. In bathrooms and kitchens, mold and mildew can become a nuisance where moisture levels are typically higher than in the rest of your house. But, have no fear, here are a few quick ways you can upgrade your indoor air quality and bring peace of mind back to your home.
Filter It Out
If this is the first time you’re thinking of your air conditioning filter, we can promise you, it needs changed. Filters can only do their job when they’re unobstructed and grabbing the pollutants from the air and your system. When the filter is neglected they become too impacted to do what they need to, resulting in particles and contaminants making their way into the system and into your home. Not maintaining your filters can also cause damage to the AC system itself over time. So not only are you breathing poor quality air but you’re going to pay for it big time.
But your HVAC unit is not the only filter that needs to be looked at. What about your vacuum cleaner? The dryer? Kitchen vents? All of those filters need checked and swapped, as well. Otherwise they are not doing what they need to ensure healthy indoor air.
Air Duct Dilemma
Air ducts move the air from one part of your house to the other and just like everything else, when not maintained, they clog, fill with contaminants and become costly. Mold, mildew, pet dander, dust all love a good dirty duct. A professional can assess your air flow and make sure you’re getting the best and cleanest air flow from your ducts.
Let’s Vent
When cooking up that newest culinary masterpiece always be sure to use the cooking vent on your stove, or open a window. Gas stoves release harmful contaminants, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Even electric burners produce those same pollutants in lower levels, as well as other particles that can be easily absorbed into your bloodstream.
Keep Your Carpet Clean
And any fabric, really. Couches, rugs, carpets, bedding. Curtains. All of them collect dander and pollutants so making sure they’re vacuumed, dusted, and cleaned to keep dust, dander and pollen to a minimum in your home.
De-Humidify
Too much humidity can lead to mold and mildew and nobody wants their home smelling like that, let alone breathing it in. Adding dehumidifiers will help keep humidity levels under control.
Get Growing!
In addition to all of the technical ways you can improve and maintain quality air, adding fresh plants to your home is the most enjoyable. Air plants add an extra buffer of filtration and they look amazing in your home. They’re also known to reduce stress for the home owner and some plants have holistic properties like stress reduction, energizing effects and lung function.
Just be sure you get a pet safe plant if Fido or Fifi like to nosh on plants. Many houseplants can be toxic to animals and possibly deadly.
Cleaner air is closer than you think. Contact us today to have your HVAC system and duct work looked at to ensure optimum efficiently. And breathe better.